Queen
Anne’s County Public Schools
Board
of Education
District
Technology Training Plan
University
of Maryland, University College
EDTC
640
July
2012
Cassandra
Hosler
Introduction
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools (QACPS) is one of
Maryland’s Eastern Shore’s larger counties, educating approximately 7,781
students yearly (MSDE, 2011). The County
is mostly rural farm lands, with the exception of the Centreville and Kent
Island areas. Students come from homes
with varied technology. Internet access
is not available, except through dialup, in many residential areas in the
county. QACPS maintains constant vigilance
over its pursuit of technology and its integration into classroom content. The District strives to divide technology
funding equally among its fifteen schools (eight elementary, 4 middle, 2 high,
and one alternative), however, few elementary schools currently possess
technologies present at others. All
schools currently have at least one computer lab (high schools have two labs)
with approximately 25 desktop computers (Dell). The three southern elementary
schools have classroom equipped with digital projectors, document cameras, and
few Smart Boards. Three quarters of the
high school classrooms are equipped with similar technologies. The newest middle school has a Smart Board,
document camera, auditory amplification system, and an LCD projector in every
classroom. The Special Education
Department throughout the County has “classroom packs” of IPads for use with
their population. Schools have one
digital camera for documentation. All
classrooms throughout the County have television and cable. Each classroom has internet access, and the
IT department is currently upgrading each school to wireless access.
More technology is being distributed throughout the QACPS
equalizing the educational opportunities throughout the county. Smart Boards, document cameras, student
response systems, IPads, and digital projectors are gradually making their way
into more classrooms. The QACPS Board of
Education also has bundles of technologies available to teachers on loan; these
include Flip Video Cameras, Digital Cameras, and IPads. These items must be scheduled for use in
advance. As the County expands the
technological opportunities for teachers, more professional development is
needed for its effective use. This District Technology Training Plan addresses
professional development concerns for users with a variety of skills and equipment
in their classrooms. Areas are addressed
in this plan include: effective use of
the Smart Board using Smart Notebook, using freeware to create classroom
websites, basic skill building using Microsoft Office Suite, and using
educational search engines for research and lesson planning.
Needs
Assessment
A survey was given to all certified teachers within Queen
Anne’s County Public Schools. 83% of
surveys were completed and submitted, giving input to the types of training
needed within the County. The survey
(Appendix A) was centered on current use of technology, weaknesses with using
technology, and the types of technology teachers would want in their classrooms
if possible. Teachers are using new
technologies in classrooms, with little training. The newest item being installed in the
majority of K-12 classrooms is the Smart Board.
Training in the technical use of the Smart Board along with
instructional applications (Smart Notebook) would be a necessary training.
When speaking to Dave Brown, Instructional Technology
Specialist for QACPS (personal communication, June 5, 2012), he stated the
County is in need for intensive keyboarding skill/typography training. The Maryland State Assessments will be
completely computerized in 3 years, forcing all test takers to be able to
complete the BCRs (writing portion) using the keyboard. Currently, the students are severely deficient
in this area, and need training to improve to do well on these timed exams.
Training Wish list (In
order of popular demand) 1.
iPad 2. Smart
Board 3. Web
Page Creation 4. Digital
Camera Use 5.
Smart Notebook Use
The training needed must engage teachers and motivate the
use of new technologies so that the students may develop effective 21st
century skills. The trainings offered
will enable teachers to incorporate more learning styles into their instruction
methods, therefor reaching more students.
By providing efficient and useful technology, teachers will be prepared
to motivate our future leaders.
Audience
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools employs a total of 700
teachers and 55 principals and administrators (MSDE, 2011). The population of
employees differs in experience, age, educational levels, and experience in
technology. According to the 2012
Maryland Report Card (2012), Queen Anne’s County has an overwhelming majority
of teachers with their Advanced Professional Certification.
Queen Anne’s County Public Schools has limited diversity
in its teaching staff. However, our
Hispanic student population is rising dramatically in the past few years. Below is a breakdown of QACPS teachers by
race and gender. The District Training
Plan will be adaptable to any race and gender, as well as certification
level. Workshops are broken down by
experience levels and a variety of differentiating activities will be provided.
Other includes Asian, Hispanic,
American Indian or Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, or
Two or more races. http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/0C24833A-9CBE-4C09-9010-B7BD88F4B1E0/31190/Fact_Book_2010_2011_.pdf
Goals
and Objectives
As a result of attending and
participating in this District Training, teachers will be able to:
Goal 1: Create classroom
webpage using approved freeware sites on the internet. The sites will be created, maintained, and
updated by the teacher.
Goal 2: Use Microsoft Office
Suite effectively and incorporate its features into lesson planning.
Goal 3: Set up and use the
Smart Board technology as well as Smart Notebook for integration into classroom
use and lesson planning.
Goal 4: Create a database of
online educational resources for student and teacher research and
demonstration.
Goal 5: Incorporate multimedia technology and social
media into lesson planning to enhance student engagement and learning.
Goal 6: Identify and
practice techniques to improve student typography skills.
Instructional
Strategies
Queen Anne’s County strives to reach multiple learning
styles in all professional developments.
Workshops are intended to be hands-on accompanied by guidance through
skill building. Teachers will be
provided hard copies of worksheet materials and PowerPoints. Teachers are encouraged to bring a USB Drive
to take any created documentation with them back to their home school. Workshops may include group work as well as
individual practice time. Brainstorming activities
will be done in a whole group as well as small group environment. Multimedia presentations are to be expected
as well.
Courses
Available
All
courses will be held at the County’s largest schools, Queen Anne’s County High
School. This school offers wireless
internet, two computer labs, more than half of the classrooms are equipped with
Smart Boards, others with document cameras.
Teachers will be permitted to use the District’s internet access on
personal laptops for the Website Building seminar, if desired. Space for lunch will be provided in the
cafeteria, however, due to budget issues, meals will not be provided.
Courses
are designed with afternoon and morning sessions to add on more complex
ideas. However, some courses do not
require both sessions in order to accommodate teacher needs. The Search and Research course is offered in
3 groupings so that teachers may collaborate with colleagues at their teaching
level.
Queen
Anne’s County District Technology Training Week Registration Form
Queen Anne’s County
District Technology Training Plan
Course Descriptions
Course
Title |
Description |
Level |
Day |
Time |
Location |
|
Classroom
Website Design |
Teachers in this workshop will learn new
ways to create classroom webpages that use freeware online (Wix and Yola),
approved by our QACPS. Teachers will
build the beginning phases of their website, while being guided into the Yola
and Wix toolboxes, customizing their websites to their own preferences. By the end of this course, teachers will
have accounts established within these freeware sites, created a preliminary
website, and be comfortable with its tools. |
Beginner |
M-F |
8:30-11:00am (Lunch 11:00-12:00) 12:00-3:00pm |
Computer Lab A |
|
Advanced
Website Design |
This
class is intended for individuals who completed the initial Classroom Website
Design workshop or for those experienced in creating websites. During this course, teachers will add onto
their existing websites (if in previous workshop) using a variety of widgets,
photographs, and multimedia options. |
Completed
Website Course 1 or Previous Experience with Websites |
T |
8:30-11:00am |
Computer
Lab A |
|
Modern
Class |
This course will provide an overview of multimedia
and social media tools for use in the classroom (all approved by QACPS). The course will highlight the potential for
internal social networking and blogging.
Demonstrations for using Audacity will be provided. Teachers will practice using the multimedia
and social media tools during the class. |
All Levels |
T or W (select 1 session) |
12:00-3:00pm |
Computer Lab B |
|
Smart
Board Basics |
This
course is intended for individuals new to Smart Board technology or those who
are in need of a refresher. The course
will cover basic installation of hardware, connections and settings, and
basic functions of the Smart Board.
The course will address common trouble shooting issues as well. Teachers will be working in a group format,
utilizing 2 Smart Boards. |
Beginner |
M |
8:30-11:00am (Lunch 11:00-12:00) 12:00-3:00pm |
Classroom
#1 |
|
Smart
Board Potential |
This course is offered to individuals who
have experience with the Smart Board or those who are just getting
started. This course investigates the
use of Smart Notebook. Teachers will
make short lesson plans using tools provided in Smart Notebook. They will be able to attach these plans to
their email so they m ay have to use it in the classroom. |
Those who completed Smart Board Basics and
those advanced in Smart Board applications |
T |
8:30-11:00am (Lunch 11:00-12:00) 12:00-3:00pm |
Classroom #1 |
|
Maximize
Your Office |
Using
Microsoft Office, this course will be a refresher for the use of Microsoft
programs, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Publisher. It will review the basics of document
creation in each program, and offer highlights for lesser known functions
within each program. |
All
Levels |
Tr
or F |
8:30-11:00am |
Computer
Lab A |
|
Search
and Research |
This interactive course offers teacher to
begin collaborating with a variety of colleagues to establish an online
database (to be stored via QACPS Board of Education Home Page) of online resources. These resources will include those for
research, demonstration, fact finding, and educational games. Teachers should be prepared to share their
top 5 useful sites they currently are using in class. New methods for searching for educational
material will be demonstrated, and the group as a whole will compile their resources
to be shared as a group. |
All Levels |
W, Tr, F |
12:00-3:00pm |
Computer Lab A |
|
Keyboard
Skills |
This
workshop is intended to instruct teachers how to teach students how to type effectively
and efficiently using the computer keyboard.
The MSA will be going online in 2 years, this course is a way teachers
can improve student skills so they may succeed on the big test. |
All
Levels |
W,
Tr, F |
8:30-11:00pm |
Computer
Lab B |
Classroom
Website Creation
Week
Itinerary
|
|
8:30-12:00 |
12:00-1:00 |
1:00-3:30 |
|
Monday |
Discuss
purposes of classroom websites. |
Lunch |
Identify
characteristics and components of a successful classroom website. |
|
Tuesday |
Create
outline for classroom website |
Lunch |
Begin
website design: Yola |
|
Wednesday |
Continue
Website Design (Yola) |
Lunch |
Create
supplementary pages for website |
|
Thursday |
Create
Website using Wix |
Lunch |
Experiment
with Wix |
|
Friday |
Adding
digital images to website |
Lunch |
Working
with Widgets |
Technology
Workshop Technology
Workshop Lesson Plan
Cassandra Hosler Classroom Website
Creation Day 2
Prerequisite Knowledge: Teachers
must have experience understanding the differences between classroom
websites. Teachers should have basic
computer skills and be able to navigate the internet.
Content: This
workshop will begin the planning and designing stage of classroom website
creation. During the first session,
teachers will discuss quality classroom websites and what they think would be
necessary to make the site functional and effective. A webpage with suggestions will be analyzed
for inspiration. Teachers will create a
sample or rough draft webpage. Teachers
will do an internet search for effective websites. The second session will be devoted to
exploring the freeware website Yola.
Teachers will set up accounts and begin creating their webpages.
Objectives:
Identify
characteristics of a quality classroom website, determining key factors into
individualized classroom websites.
Create
an outline for classroom website.
Teachers will create a
classroom website using the freeware program Yola.
Teachers will make an
account with Yola and begin initial design phase.
Evaluation: Evaluations will be done at
the conclusion of the day and the week as well.
The evaluations are done casually, through word of mouth and by paper
evaluation slips as well.
Details
Tuesday
8:30 – 12:00 (Session 1) Outline for Classroom Website
Materials:
Brainstorming worksheet, computers, pencils
Activities:
1.
Review and discuss Kinder Art Top 10
Reasons to Have a Webpage site.
Discuss the benefits for a website at any and all educational level.
2.
As a
group, identify characteristics that make a quality classroom website.
3.
Analyze four classroom webpages and rank them
in order of quality and appropriateness.
Use the internet to locate 2 good websites and two bad websites. Describe whey they were labeled in these ways
(describe characteristics in each site).
4. 
Individually, brainstorm
ideas for creating your own classroom webpage.
Use the worksheet provided.
12:00 - 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 3:30 (Session 2) Beginning Website Design using
Yola
Materials: Computer, design notes
Activities:
1. Teachers will be given time to revise or add
to their website design worksheet.
2. Teachers
will log onto and create an account with Yola.
3. Teachers
will experiment with the program while creating their classroom homepage. Describe
some of Yola’s main features.
4. Teachers
will practice adding advanced features to their webpage.
5. Save
material in Yola and prepare for next day.
Conclude with question and answer session.
Describe Yola:
Yola is a free website builder online. It is targeted towards businesses initially,
but may be used by anyone. The site
allows the creator to establish multiple sites with multiple pages as
well. The site is an advertised as not
needing any background experience in order to create a quality webpage using
their program (Yola, 2012).
Highlight Yola’s Main Features:
Allow
teachers time to build, practice, and explore using Yola. The activities will be continued and advance
on Wednesday, when teachers integrate widgets, images, and additional special
features.
Estimated Budget
All
computers, hardware, and software are already owned and maintained by Queen
Anne’s County Board of Education.
Therefore, no additional funds are needed for equipment. Worksheets will be provided to reinforce
concepts to all groups. Allot $125 for
paper expenditures. The training will
have light refreshments in the morning, including coffee, tea, water, fruits,
and muffins. Approximately $100 will be
designated for this purpose.
Evaluation
Resources
Kinder Art. (2012). Stuff for teachers. Retrieved from http://www.kinderart.com/teachers/webpage.shtml
Maryland State Department of
Education. (2011). 2010 - 2011 Fact
book. Retrieved from http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/NR/rdonlyres/0C24833A-9CBE-4C09-9010-B7BD88F4B1E0/31190/Fact_Book_2010_2011_.pdf
Maryland State Department of
Education. (2012). 2012 Maryland report
card: Queen Anne’s County. Retrieved
from http://mdreportcard.org/Demographics.aspx?K=17AAAA
Survey Monkey.
(2012). Cassie Hosler: Technology in
Queen Anne’s County. Retrieved from http://www.surveymonkey.com/MySurveys.aspx
Yola. (2012). Cassie hosler. Retrieved from http://sitebuilder.yola.com/en/ide/index.jsp?siteid=8a4986c937bd1df80137dcb12a2d5256
Yola. (2012). Yola. Retrieved from https://www.yola.com/